Category Archives: Drug Crime
Can the Government Use a “Substitute” Expert Witness?
The Constitution guarantees every criminal defendant the right to “confront” the witnesses against him at trial. In simple terms, this means the defendant–or more commonly, their attorney–can cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. Put another way, the prosecution cannot use the testimony of people who are not in the courtroom to convict the defendant. There is… Read More »
Do COVID-Related Delays in Arresting a Defendant Violate Speedy Trial Rights?
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees every criminal defendant the right to a “speedy trial.” The difficulty is that the Sixth Amendment itself never defines “speedy.” Over the years, Congress and the federal courts have developed certain laws and tests to help define the right to a speedy trial more precisely…. Read More »
When Can Florida Police Make a Misdemeanor Arrest Without a Warrant?
Under Florida law, a police officer can arrest a suspect if that suspect committed a felony or misdemeanor in the officer’s presence. In other words, if an officer sees you committing what appears to be a crime, they do not have to get a warrant before placing you under arrest. Nor does the officer… Read More »
Does the State Have to Prove the Origin of “Synthetic” Marijuana?
One of the cardinal rules of the Florida criminal justice system is that a prosecutor must prove each element of a charged offense “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Put another way, it is not enough for the state to prove the defendant’s actions might have violated the letter of the law. It must be clear… Read More »
Can a Police Officer Detain You Based on the “Smell” of Marijuana?
Outside of certain state-approved medical uses, it is illegal to possess marijuana in Florida. Simple possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of $1,000. You can even be charged with possessing “drug paraphernalia” related to the cultivation or use… Read More »
How Threatening a Witness Can Land You in Serious Trouble in Florida
If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, one of the worst things you can do is attempt to intimidate or threaten a potential witness in your case. Witness tampering is itself a serious felony under both federal and Florida state law. And even if you are not the direct target of a criminal… Read More »
An Overview of Common Strategies for Defending a Drug Possession Charge in Florida
Drug possession is a serious criminal charge It could be charged as a state level offense or even a felony offense. Depending on the alleged quantity and the specific controlled substance in question, drug possession may be a felony criminal offense. Of course, a charge is not the same thing as a conviction. You… Read More »
Marijuana Possession Laws In Florida
Marijuana legalization is a growing trend across the United States, where total cannabis sales increased by 38% in 2021 over the previous year. Some estimate that legal cannabis sales will reach $30 billion in 2022, as more states move to decriminalize and legalize recreational cannabis possession. However, while recreational marijuana is currently legal to… Read More »
